On the men's side, Serbian third seed Novak Djokovic looked like a legitimate threat to claim his first grand slam with a 6-2 6-1 6-3 victory over Dutchman Robin Haase.

American James Blake, seeded sixth, needed two hours and 41 minutes to oust compatriot Michael Russell 7-6 6-3 7-6 and set up a second-round match against Frenchman Fabrice Santoro.

'NO UNDERDOG'

Delic said the 26-year-old Hewitt may be overlooked as an Open contender because of the grand slam success of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

"I think he gets lost in the shadow behind guys like Roger and Nadal right now because obviously they're the big hype," said Delic, ranked 71st. "But every time he steps on the court you just can't take him as an underdog.

"The guy does not give you absolutely anything."

Hewitt agreed with Delic, saying it has been tough trying to grab the spotlight with Federer and Nadal dominating the landscape.

"They've been the two dominant players in the slams over the last four or five years," said the Australian, who reached the quarter-finals and semi-finals in successive Masters Series events earlier this month.

"No one really has had a chance to win any of the other slams basically. That's what my goal is."

Sixteenth seed Hingis committed only eight unforced errors in her one-hour victory over Johansson. The 26-year-old Swiss was at her best at the right times, converting all four break opportunities.

The five-times grand slam champion said the two weeks she took off prior to the Open helped her "get the hunger and get the spirit back.

"I have nothing to lose, I feel like I can only win at this tournament, only get better."